Fishnets: Vintage, Goth & beyond

by Sophia Disgrace

Vintage fashion: Fishnets have gone from vintage vamp to goth & punk style and now enter new territories. A style guide to an ice-cool vamp's best friend.

I was getting ready to go out last night. Now what, I thought, would make the perfect finishing touch to my killer outfit? Why, a pair fishnet tights of course. Fishnet tights - so perfect for creating a deliciously naughty, yet stylish allure. A girl simply can't go wrong with fishnet tights if she is dressing to impress.

Dressed to the nines and ready to go, a thought struck me. When did your average pair of trusty tights become their vamped up counterpart, fishnets? Fishnets have always been to me, tights' naughty little sister.

Fishnet tights - a lovely vintage history lesson

After doing a little research a la google, it became clear that their exact origins are hard to pinpoint, just as it's difficult to pinpoint whether fishnets - more hole than thread - make you look more clothed or unclothed. But back to the history lesson... fishnet tights were intially worn by exotic dancers and proastitutes before being popularised for the mainstream by Hollywood starlets around the 1940's/50's period. Ah, yes - back to vintage fashion again, that mooky favourite! The Second World War had finally ended and there was a new, more liberated attitude which was becoming increasingly evident, especially where women's fashion was concerned. People wanted to enjoy life, have fun and revel in sexiness rather than follow the puritanical dress and behaviour that came with poverty and uncertainty. Fishnets certainly suited this new ideal!

As the decades progressed and fashions evolved, fishnets became heavily associated with the punk and gothic movements of the 1970/80's. They were also embraced as a style statement by the fetish community and to this day remain popular and ever present in these subcultures, as well as in mainstream fashion.

What I love about fishnets is their versatility. You can dress them down for a day at the office and then head off out to a club in a mini and skyscraper heels. They make legs look amazing, as their diamond netting encases every curve. Best of all, fishnets are distinctively femine, with just a hint of times gone by - when ladies wanted to be like Rita Hayworth and Marilyn Monroe and guys aspired to the likes of Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra.

I have many pairs of fishnets. Vibrantly coloured, large diamond shaped netting, seamed at the back, unseamed... the list is endless! There are many good outlets on the highstreet to pick up a pair. I like to go to Primark for fishnets which are cost effective and ideal for a night out - which can be spent in a state of nocturnal glee without fretting over whether you are going to snag your tights!

How to shop for varied / cheap fishnets

For a more varied selection of fishnets, I would recommend scouring eBay (or if London-based, head down to punk / goth style paradise Camden Market for a truly unique pair of fishnets).

Style ideas for fishnet tights

For ideas on how best to wear fishnets, you can look to icons such as Dita Von Teese and Brody Dalle. These lovely ladies show you how fishnets should be worn - with attitude and bags of confidence!

Try layering knee high socks and leg warmers over your fishnets.

One could argue that the holes in fishnets keep you warm because they trap air. However, if you want to keep your legs from turning blue with cold, layer fishnets over thin, low denier tights / stockings - either toned to match your skin or with edgy contrasting colours.

Pair your fishnets with a slinky pencil skirt and flats for uber retro sex appeal.

If you wish to go for reserved vamp rather than unstoppable spider-widow, pair your heels and fishnets with well-cut period dresses or suit/jacket combos.

Cut of the feet, cut them to the desired length and wear them as floppy armwarmers. You can always tighten them by sewing a seam if needed.

If you want distressed, ripped fishnets you can artfully rip holes in them as soon as you buy them - or wait for the inevitable to happen naturally.

For a more street style approach, get fishnet cutoff leggings and team with Converse

Fishnet tights are wonderful, ephemerous things. Make them a staple to your wardrobe now. Fishnets are here to stay!

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